Q23: My pet has been attacked by a dog can the police do anything?

It depends on the circumstances but there have been decisions in the past by courts and authorities to suggest that it is the nature of a dog to kill and wound small animals. Therefore, in the event of your pet being wounded or killed by a dog, it is not a certainty that the police would take any action.

The police will however, take action if the dog was dangerously out of control (see Q653 for more information on this). If the police do not take action the other possible recourse is to take civil action against the dog owner but this would depend on the circumstances.

Please note there are different regulations where the attack involves farm animals. This answer does not take into account deliberate attacks or dog fights which are offences.